Illinois Governor signs executive order to protect transgender students

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker has singed an historic executive order. He has signed an executive order that will protect the transgender students in Illinois. He signed this executive order on Sunday. This executive order is termed the Executive Order 19-11. This executive order will establish a new Affirming and Inclusive Schools Task Force.

This Affirming and Inclusive Schools Task Force will examine the best practices and will direct the Illinois State Board of Education to take several steps to help the transgender students. The Illinois State Board of Education will support transgender, nonbinary and gender nonconforming students in schools. JB Pritzker said that this executive order will help to promote equality in Illinois.

He said, “This executive order is one more step toward securing Illinois’ place as a leader in equality and hope.” “Under this executive order, ignorance is no longer an excuse for bigotry.” the Illinois State Board of Education will help to promote the rights of LGBTQ students in schools. They will also provide resources supporting students, and developing model policies or procedures to improve access to facilities.

Chicago’s mayor Lori Lightfoot also joined Pritzker as he signed the executive order at 9 a.m. The executive order was signed at Lake View High School, Second Floor Library, 4015 N. Ashland Avenue. Lightfoot was delighted at the signing of the executive order as she said, “This Executive Order is about more than protecting the young members of our transgender community, it’s an important first step towards ensuring every Illinois student has the safe space that allows them to reach their full potential.”

The task forced will comprise of 25 members. They will examine what schools are doing to ensure LGBQT students’ rights are ensured. They will make recommendations to Governor’s office by January 1, 2020.